Social inequalities, labor, and health

This article presents a brief analysis of the social inequalities expressed in the relationship between health and labor. It focuses on the Brazilian context. It begins by approaching the conceptions present in the lines of investigation and intervention in this field of health. It considers an entire range of thinking, from the eminently biological and individual level to an understanding of the relationship between labor and health as a reflection of essentially social processes. The confrontation between conceptual advances, proposals for intervention, and the reality of health for Brazilian workers is the parameter for analyzing the activity of state institutions, companies, and workers' organizations. Based on the current situation outlined in this study, perspectives are identified for urgent and indispensable changes.